Dining out in New York City has become an increasingly challenging endeavor, with securing a reservation at a popular restaurant now more difficult than ever. Over the past three years, many would-be diners have found it nearly impossible to snag a table at the city’s most sought-after establishments.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, noted the extent of the problem, stating that even restaurant owners often have no advice on how to secure a reservation. The situation has escalated to the point where New York state lawmakers have intervened, recently voting to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for significant markups.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislative move as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at curbing competition for reservations and safeguarding restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite the new regulations, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the post-COVID landscape, where nearly every restaurant, hotel, and flight is fully booked.
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a concierge service for affluent clients, highlighted key factors for gaining access to sought-after dining venues. She pointed out a shift away from traditional fine dining towards establishing connections with trendy eateries, where the allure of securing a reservation often transcends the food itself.
For those determined to gain entry to these exclusive dining spots, India offers insight into which restaurants in New York currently boast the highest demand for reservations.